Clayton W.
South Lawndale, IL
Critter Au Pair
Pet care experience
Clayton here (call me Clay). Biomedical graduate student at UIC who works as a pet sitter on the side. I've been pet sitting for a few years, now, and absolutely love it. As a graduate student, additional sources of income are important but, more than that, I immensely enjoy being around animals. School can get stressful, at times, and animals are such a great stress relief and a source of unconditional affection. My rates are slightly higher than most but this reflects my experience and the quality of care I provide your animal. Reviews are available here on Rover. I also have multiple references from clients I secured independently of Rover. I have experience with reptiles, cats, and dogs of all ages and sizes. I even have experience with special needs dogs.
Reviews
Clayton stayed with our dog Aspen for over a week, and was wonderful! We received daily updates and photos, and could tell he spent a lot of quality time with our pup. Thanks, Clayton!
Clayton did an amazing job watching my little ones! They immediately gravitated toward him and gave him kisses during our meet and greet. Clayton was great at keeping me informed and sharing updates/pictures while I was out of town. He really helped me out when I was in a bind, needing help with my babies. I would definitely recommend using his services and I plan to do the same again soon!
Chicago just received a gem, we are going to miss Clayton in Milwaukee! Clayton is one of the most kindhearted individuals I have ever gotten the chance to know. He loves all animals and treats them as one of his own. He also is amazing at following directions for care and will go above and beyond any expectations you would have for a pet sitter/walker. As a pet sitter myself I am very critical of the care my own animals receive and Clayton is one of the few that I would consider as a caretaker. Give Clayton a shot and you will not be disappointed.
Clayton is the most responsible and organized person I've ever met. He is very professional, kind-hearted, punctual, quick-witted, and an over-achiever. I grew up breeding, raising, and showing yellow labs, so throughout the years, Clayton has interacted with many of our dogs from puppies into their old age. Currently, I have a Shih-Tzu, and Clayton has watched her and taken her on walks for me as well. I can't think of a better person to trust with a dog than him. Your dog will thank you for being able to hang out with Clayton!
About Clayton W.
Communication
Skills
Information Clayton W. would like to know about your pet
Any and all breeds/sizes/ages are 100% fine by me. Dogs are just way too unique to mention any specific care here. You are the expert on your dog. I follow direction meticulously. Simply explain to me what I need to know about your pet during the meet and greet and that is exactly how your pet will be taken care of.
A typical day
Snuggles, snuggles, and more snuggles (a lint roller is always in my overnight bag). I think the most important service a pet sitter provides is affection. Yes, food, water, walks, and potty breaks are what keeps your pet physically healthy but I do not underestimate the importance of providing your pet affection. Your pet will already miss you, terribly, while you are away. I try to offset this as much as possible with belly rubs, ear scratches, snuggles, and even a little conversation with your animal ... we keep the conversation light and steer clear of religion and politics as conversation topics. Your dog will sleep wherever you tell me they are supposed to sleep but I have yet to look after an animal whose owner didn't request they sleep in the bed with me. Owner's often seem almost guilty when requesting that their animal sleep in the bed with me, which is why I bring this up. Animals in the bed is never an issue for me. When I look after your animal, I am there to make sure they are comfortable.
Services
Clayton can watch in your home
About Clayton W.
Communication
Skills
Information Clayton W. would like to know about your pet
Any and all breeds/sizes/ages are 100% fine by me. Dogs are just way too unique to mention any specific care here. You are the expert on your dog. I follow direction meticulously. Simply explain to me what I need to know about your pet during the meet and greet and that is exactly how your pet will be taken care of.
A typical day
Snuggles, snuggles, and more snuggles (a lint roller is always in my overnight bag). I think the most important service a pet sitter provides is affection. Yes, food, water, walks, and potty breaks are what keeps your pet physically healthy but I do not underestimate the importance of providing your pet affection. Your pet will already miss you, terribly, while you are away. I try to offset this as much as possible with belly rubs, ear scratches, snuggles, and even a little conversation with your animal ... we keep the conversation light and steer clear of religion and politics as conversation topics. Your dog will sleep wherever you tell me they are supposed to sleep but I have yet to look after an animal whose owner didn't request they sleep in the bed with me. Owner's often seem almost guilty when requesting that their animal sleep in the bed with me, which is why I bring this up. Animals in the bed is never an issue for me. When I look after your animal, I am there to make sure they are comfortable.
Location
Chicago, IL
Clayton W.
South Lawndale, IL